Deforestation

Deforestation ~ Environmental Issue

Deforestation is occurring all over the world, with all types of forests, and is one of the top environmental issues today.

What Is Deforestation

Deforestation is the clearing of land to convert it to non-forest uses (such as pasture, crop land, or commercial development). Deforestation can include rain forests, as well as woodlands.

What Causes Deforestation / Causes Of Deforestation

Deforestation is caused by humans removing trees, either for harvesting the lumber, as part of mining operations, to convert the land to agricultural use or ranch use, or to clear the way for building.

Facts About Deforestation

Here are facts about deforestation:
•Most of the current deforestation is taking place in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
•An estimated 25% of the wood that’s harvested around the world goes toward paper production.
•Sustainable forestry practices (removal of trees and vegetation to promote regeneration) are not considered deforestation.
•Deforestation can lead to soil erosion, which can in turn cause water pollution problems.
•Deforestation is one of the contributors to global warming and climate change.
•Seven countries in the world (Brazil, Canada, the United States, Indonesia, China, Russia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo) have contributed to 60% of the deforestation on the Earth.
•Since 1970, the Amazon forest (in Brazil) has shrunk by 15%.

Read more about other top environmental issues: ozone depletion, acid rain, global warming and climate change, and endangered species.